Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.0 (2)
$1,499.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (1)
$1,499.99
Amazon
5.0 (4)
Used
Reverb
5.0 (3)
$1,114.87 New
$959.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$1,499.99
zZounds
$1,349.99
Thomann
5.0 (1)
$1,288.00

Average Price: $1,267

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "EVH Frankenstein Series Relic Electric Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The EVH Frankenstein Series Relic Electric Guitar is a tribute to Eddie Van Halen's iconic Frankenstrat, encapsulating the essence of his groundbreaking sound and style. Designed for those who crave the raw energy of Van Halen's legendary performances, this guitar marries classic design with modern functionality. Crafted from a solid basswood body, it delivers growling acoustics with mids that cut through any mix, making it a formidable presence on stage or in the studio.

At the heart of this beast is the EVH Wolfgang humbucker, capable of producing the searing leads and chunky rhythms that defined an era. The guitar is a shredder's dream, featuring a quartersawn maple neck with a fast-playing, compound-radius fingerboard. The Floyd Rose tremolo system, equipped with the innovative D-Tuna, allows you to switch to Drop D tuning with ease, enabling the dive-bombs and squeals that are synonymous with Eddie's sound.

The relic'd finish and custom pickguard add to its distinct Van Halen vibe, while the single Strat-style volume knob subtly nods to its storied past. Whether you're a Van Halen aficionado or a guitarist seeking a versatile axe with attitude, the EVH Frankenstein Series Relic stands ready to unleash your inner rock god.

Key Features:

  • Basswood body with relic'd finish
  • Bolt-on quartersawn maple neck with compound-radius maple fingerboard
  • Direct-mount EVH Wolfgang humbucker
  • Floyd Rose tremolo with D-Tuna for instant Drop D tuning
  • Custom pickguard and Strat-style volume knob
  • Includes EVH Wolfgang/Striped Series gig bag

Product specs

Brand EVH
Model Frankenstein Relic
Finish Black, Blueburst, Red, Silverburst, Vintage Sunburst, White
Year 2023 - 2025
Made In Mexico
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Artist Eddie Van Halen
Body Material Basswood
Body Shape S-Style
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Locking Tremolo Bridge
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Red, Silver, White
Finish Features Relic
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Maple
Fretboard Radius 12", 16"
Neck Construction Bolt-On
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.685"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 25.5"
Wood Top Style Opaque, Plain

FAQs

What kind of neck profile does the EVH Frankenstein Series Relic Electric Guitar have?

The EVH Frankenstein Series Relic Electric Guitar features a comfortable C-shaped neck profile, making it suitable for fast playing and easy handling, ideal for rock and metal genres.

What pickups are used in the EVH Frankenstein Series Relic Electric Guitar?

This guitar is equipped with an EVH Frankenstein humbucking pickup, inspired by Eddie Van Halen's original PAF pickup, providing a powerful and dynamic tone.

Is the EVH Frankenstein Series Relic Electric Guitar suitable for beginners?

While the EVH Frankenstein Series Relic Electric Guitar can be played by beginners, it is primarily designed for intermediate to advanced players, especially those interested in replicating Eddie Van Halen's iconic sound.

How does the relic finish on the EVH Frankenstein Series Relic Electric Guitar affect its appearance?

The relic finish gives the EVH Frankenstein Series Relic Electric Guitar an aged and vintage look, mimicking the wear and tear of Eddie Van Halen's original Frankenstrat, adding character and style.

Does the EVH Frankenstein Series Relic Electric Guitar have a locking tremolo system?

Yes, the EVH Frankenstein Series Relic Electric Guitar features a locking tremolo bridge, allowing for stable tuning and expressive dive-bomb effects.

Steve from Boston

Steve from Boston

The NEW 2023 EVH Frankenstein Relic Guitar

Video thumbnail for The NEW 2023 EVH Frankenstein Relic Guitar by Steve from Boston

The NEW 2023 EVH Frankenstein Relic Guitar

Steve from Boston

Steve from Boston

Video thumbnail for EVH Frankie Relic Series Unboxing and Demo - Van Halen Frankie Now Offered In Solid Colors By EVH! by Marty5150

EVH Frankie Relic Series Unboxing and Demo - Van Halen Frankie Now Offered In Solid Colors By EVH!

Marty5150

Marty5150

Video thumbnail for Presenting The All-New EVH Frankenstein Relic® Series Guitars by EVH Gear

Presenting The All-New EVH Frankenstein Relic® Series Guitars

EVH Gear

EVH Gear

Video thumbnail for EVH Frankenstein Relic Series | Review | Guitar Interactive by Guitar Interactive Magazine

EVH Frankenstein Relic Series | Review | Guitar Interactive

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Video thumbnail for EVH FRANKENSTEIN RELIC SERIES - I WANTED TO SEND IT BACK! by Jason Hobbs

EVH FRANKENSTEIN RELIC SERIES - I WANTED TO SEND IT BACK!

Jason Hobbs

Jason Hobbs

Video thumbnail for Let's go to Guitar Center & try the EVH Frankenstein Series Relic White DEMO & REVIEW LIVE! 6/3/24 by Johnny Beane

Let's go to Guitar Center & try the EVH Frankenstein Series Relic White DEMO & REVIEW LIVE! 6/3/24

Johnny Beane

Johnny Beane

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers exceptional sustain and fantastic tone with EVH pickups

  • Relic job creates a unique, vintage aesthetic

  • Smooth, fast neck enhances playability

  • Compound radius offers versatility for various playing styles

  • Floyd Rose and D-Tuner enhance tuning stability and versatility

  • Outstanding fretwork, especially when pleked

  • Feels personalized despite being a replica of EVH's frankenstrat

CONS

  • Considered overpriced for its features

  • Does not include a hard shell case

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EVH Frankenstein Series Relic Electric Guitar.

Use cases and applications

  • Despite not being a shredder-style player, one owner found the EVH Frankie irresistible due to its smooth neck, making it versatile for non-VH fans.

    Source
  • The guitar inspires shredding and whammy dives, suggesting its strong appeal for high-energy playing styles.

    Source
  • The guitar is appreciated for its palm mutes, with its basswood body, pickup, and Floyd Rose delivering a fantastic tone, not strictly adhering to Eddie Van Halen's original setup.

    Source

User experience

  • An owner who typically prefers Telecasters and LPs found themselves frequently reaching for the Frankie, highlighting its broad appeal beyond traditional VH enthusiasts.

    Source

Build quality

  • The neck's shape and feel receive high praise, with a smoothness that stands out even among numerous partscaster Strats, making it a key selling point.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • One user specifically avoided the striped version, emphasizing the guitar's intrinsic qualities over its role as an EVH memento.

    Source
  • The neck pickup can be wired into the circuit, enhancing tonal versatility without altering the guitar's core playability.

    Source
  • The guitar can effectively be played clean without distortion, making it suitable for practice and versatile in sound production.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A common modification is adding a full pickguard and a functional switch, enhancing aesthetic and control options.

    Source
  • An owner added a dedicated strap for the eye-hooks, enhancing the guitar's usability and experience.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The non-striped models can be found for under $1000, offering a substantial savings compared to the $1400 striped version.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners with existing black Stratocasters might prefer the red model for visual variety and distinction.

    Source
  • An owner compared the EVH Frankenstein favorably to their Strandberg Boden NX6, stating it was more comfortable and had a better sound, despite being less ergonomic.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • One owner achieved a super low action of 2/64ths at the last fret with no buzzing after a truss rod adjustment.

    Source
  • Some owners report needing to address tuning stability issues, suggesting that a professional setup may help improve this aspect.

    Source

Critic Reviews

EVH Frankenstein Relic Series review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The EVH Frankenstein Relic Series offers a unique twist on Eddie Van Halen's iconic guitar, trading flashy stripes for a sleek single-color finish. With its powerful EVH Wolfgang humbucker and comfortable neck, it delivers crisp tones suited for both aggressive riffs and cleaner sounds. However, the limited tonal versatility from its stripped-down controls may disappoint those seeking a wide range of sounds without modifications. Overall, it's a solid choice for players who appreciate the legacy of Van Halen while wanting a more understated aesthetic.

positive

EVH Frankenstein Relic review – a slice of pure EVH innovation

guitar.com

The EVH Frankenstein Relic delivers classic rock tones and an engaging playability, notably thanks to its superb neck and simplified electronics. However, its divisive aesthetic may alienate some players who prefer a more traditional look. While its lack of a functional pickup selector limits tonal versatility, the sound produced is undeniably impressive. This guitar is a fun, plug-and-play option that embodies the spirit of Eddie Van Halen, but it might not resonate with everyone due to its unique style. Overall, it stands as a solid tribute to its namesake, but it’s not without its quirks.

EVH Frankenstein Relic Series | Review - Guitar Interactive Magazine

guitarinteractivemagazine.com

The EVH Frankenstein Series Relic Electric Guitar nails the rock aesthetic without the iconic stripes, offering a sleek and rugged option for fans. With a comfortable neck, excellent playability, and a singular, powerful tone, it rewards skilled players with a dynamic sound that's both articulate and responsive. However, its stripped-down controls may deter those seeking versatility, as it only provides one wired pickup. While the relic finish is appealing, the guitar leans heavily towards rock genres, leaving funk and jazz players wanting more. Overall, it's a fantastic homage to Van Halen's legacy for the right guitarist.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ray Toro uses EVH Frankenstein Series Relic Electric Guitar

Ray Toro

Singer, Guitarist

My Chemical Romance

...
Verified via Photo

Ray is playing one in a recent Instagram story from Mikey Way

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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